Are you responding to God's call, or are you running?Hey guys, my name is Isom and welcome back to Diligent Discipleship. As Christian men, we often find ourselves on a journey of spiritual growth, and a big part of that is answering God's calling. Today, I'm kicking off a short series on the book of Jonah and God's calling. A lot of people see the book of Jonah as an example of what happens when we run from ministry or God’s calling, and while that's true, I want to focus on another perspective: God’s love and grace. Even when we are not fully surrendered or are reluctantly obedient, I want to focus on God's relentless pursuit of us even when we run. The goal for this series is to encourage you to embrace God’s calling and trust in his grace and compassion, recognizing that your obedience is a powerful part of His plan for salvation.

In this episode, I want to look at four biblical figures and their responses to God's call to deepen our understanding of our own faith journey: Moses, Gideon, Jonah, and Philip.

* Moses: Overcoming Feelings of Inadequacy. When God called Moses from the burning bush to lead the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses responded with feelings of inadequacy, asking "Who am I?". Moses also questioned his ability to speak, stating he was "slow of speech and slow of tongue". God's response was a promise: "Certainly I will be with you". I have to remind myself that God, Yahweh, is the one who is calling me, and He is the one who will be with me. He is the God of all creation, and He will teach my tongue what to say even when I feel inadequate. This is a powerful lesson for us as Christian men facing new challenges.

* Gideon: Trusting God Despite Your Weakness. When the Angel of the LORD called Gideon a "mighty man of valor," Gideon was threshing wheat in a winepress to hide it from the Midianites. He responded by saying he was the "least in my father's house" and not a mighty man. God’s response was a promise: "Surely I will be with you". Gideon asked for multiple signs to confirm God's calling. He even asked God to make the fleece wet while the ground was dry, and then to make the fleece dry while the ground was wet. I think this shows that God is patient with our doubts and will be with us regardless of what we think of ourselves.

* Jonah: When We Disobey God's Word. In contrast to Moses and Gideon, Jonah did not express feelings of doubt or inadequacy. Instead, he simply disobeyed and ran away from God's presence, fleeing to Tarshish instead of going to Nineveh as commanded. I've seen that people, myself included, run from God's call due to fear of failure, discomfort, self-perceived inadequacies, or personal biases. I challenge you to think about what you might be putting in place of God's will, such as your career, time with family, or other priorities.

* Philip: The Power of Obedience in Action. I want to contrast Jonah's disobedience with the immediate obedience of Philip from Acts chapter 8. When an angel of the Lord told Philip to "arise and go toward the south", Philip "arose and went" without questioning, even though the destination was a desert. Because of his obedience, he was able to meet and baptize an Ethiopian eunuch, resulting in the salvation of one man.

Conclusion: A Call to Spiritual Growth and Deeper Discipleship

I want to ask you, what is God calling you to today? What have you been putting off because you're afraid? God doesn't show us every step of the way, because if He did, it wouldn't require a lot of faith on our part. He wants us to trust in Him and to trust that His plans are for our good. I hope this encourages and challenges you, because if we are not being challenged, we are not growing in our walk with Jesus Christ.

As Christians, we've all heard the advice: "Just read the Bible". But for many, myself included, that answer falls short. This week on my podcast, Diligent Discipleship, I share my personal journey of feeling something was missing in my faith, despite being a consistent churchgoer. I learned that there's more to growing in Christ than just “reading the bible”. The real journey begins when we change our perspective.

A Foundational Shift in Perspective

I once viewed the Bible as a “how-to” for being a good person, a history book, or a book on Christianity. However, I received a challenge that changed everything: "What if we lived our lives as if the Bible were true?". This simple question transformed my outlook on the Bible. The Bible is more than just history; it's a comprehensive handbook from God to us on how to have success and joy in every part of our lives. It provides guidance for being a better spouse, parent, employee, or even a successful business owner.

The Challenge: From Reading to Studying

Simply reading the Bible is beneficial as it helps us become familiar with God's word. But to experience a radical change, we must start actively studying it. I've found it invaluable to dig deeper into the text by using tools like a Strong's Concordance or the Blue Letter Bible app to explore the original Hebrew and Greek meanings and context. When we seek God's wisdom and ask for His guidance, He will reveal truths that can be applied directly to our daily lives.

The Impact of an Active Faith

When you actively seek God, you will see great changes in your life. This isn't just about personal growth; it impacts every relationship—with your spouse, children, coworkers, and community. By allowing God's word to shine through you, you become a light and a disciple-maker, fulfilling the calling to make disciples, not just converts.

Final Challenge

I encourage you to take this challenge: What if you lived your life as if the Bible were true? Start today by consistently reading and praying, and then begin to study His word using the many free resources available. See how God uses you and transforms your life.

Are you a Christian man looking to develop a faith that's deeply rooted and truly transformative? Welcome to Diligent Discipleship. Hosted by Isom Rodebush, this podcast is dedicated to equipping you with a solid understanding of God's Word. We dive into 1-2 expository Bible studies each week, committed to unpacking Scripture in its full context, letting its original meaning illuminate our path. This isn't just about head knowledge; it's about genuine spiritual growth that impacts every area of your life. If you're seeking clarity, truth, and a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ, join the Diligent Discipleship community. Subscribe now and let's grow deeper in God's Word, together.